Major Travel Disruption as KLM Ground Staff Walk Out
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been forced to cancel more than 100 flights scheduled for tomorrow due to a planned strike by ground personnel. The industrial action, set to take place between 08:00 and 10:00 local time, is expected to impact approximately 27,000 passengers across Europe.
Labor Dispute Escalates
The strike was announced last week by labor unions FNV and CNV, who have rejected a collective bargaining agreement that KLM reached with three smaller unions. The primary points of contention include wage increases and working conditions for ground staff.
"Ground staff sometimes feel like second-class employees," a union spokesperson stated, highlighting the disparity between executive bonuses and ground worker compensation.
Operational Impact
KLM has confirmed that affected passengers will be rebooked on the next available flights. However, the airline warns that delays could persist for two to three days following the strike as operations gradually return to normal.
The ground staff involved in the strike perform critical functions including baggage handling, aircraft towing, and passenger assistance. This marks the latest chapter in an ongoing labor dispute that has seen multiple strike actions and legal challenges throughout 2025.
Another four-hour work stoppage is planned for next Wednesday, indicating that the labor unrest may continue unless a resolution is reached between management and union representatives.